Because I'm Happy

I am quite happy at the moment and Pharrell's song also puts a smile on my face…it really is a happy song. My mood probably contributed to the irresistible nature of this obnoxiously large necklace from Choies (ahem, Lanvin lookalike, ahem). The necklace brings up a complicated issue to discuss: knockoffs.
Personally, I try to avoid knock-offs that copy the work of small artists or independent labels. Several bloggers have found their photographs printed without their permission on t-shirts sold in stores from no-name shops out of China to high street labels such as Zara or H&M. Likewise, artists who post illustrations on personal websites have found their work re-produced without credit or commission in the same shops. That type of intellectual property theft really frustrates me. Between fluid International intellectual property laws and the limited resources of artists--they usually have neither the financial power to pursue a case or audience to bring attention to the theft itself.
On the other hand, I find knock-offs of designer pieces rather harmless. The original Lanvin script necklaces retail for around $950 (at Bergdorf's, for example). Lanvin is not suffering any profit loss by my purchase of this necklace, because never in my wildest dream would I purchase the original (which is already out of stores since it's a couple of fashion seasons old anyways). Pretty much no one who could afford the original would be lured by a copy and this applies to all areas of knock-offs: dresses, shoes, purse, etc. And when I really do a covet a designer piece that is within my price range through scrimping and saving, I'm not interested in any knock-off version. Further with certain designs there is a question of originality anyway. Lanvin brought statement script necklaces back into the collective conscious last year, but necklaces of this style (even this size) have been available in stores for much longer than the past year, often geared towards a very different demographic. Many designers re-work products and ideas already in the market, which begs the question: which is the knock-off?

I actually wrote a whole research paper on fashion economics and it's true! The fashion industry really does not suffer from knock-offs...it so turns out that they don't have any TRUE legal protection that makes the production of knock-offs a crime. In fact, I argued that knock-offs can even act as a publicity tactic for brands...ehh, I explained it in a much better way in my essay, but I think the whole idea is fascinating.Ripping off small business artists and creators is another story, however...and you're right, it's ridiculously frustrating. We cannot even control it really because people will find a way around anything we do. Anyway, I love your outfit. That necklace fits right in, too.

I think what confuses me is when people buy a branded knock-off. As in a bag that says YSL but actually isn't. Then it seems like you love the brand and are trying to shout that love out, except not act it out. However, I recently noticed fake tatty devine necklaces on a market in London - plastic lobster necklaces. Some of them look like copies and some of tatty devine's stuff looks like it's copied off the high street. It all goes round in circles.

I also wanted to say that all your photographs are just so good. I'm looking at the framing you do, and it is so inspiring. Every picture looks like one from a magazine.

Hello, I just found your blog and really really like it! But I was a little confused when I saw this entry, you know, I own the same dress you are wearing today and I'm wearing it also today.. O_O So, it's kind of funny.. :PHave a lovely day!

Knock-offs can act as a publicity tactic for brands but sometimes the publicity is opposite of what they want. I teach marketing and we often discuss the fact that often an item is priced high so it has a value as an luxury that most people can't afford. So if suddenly there's a cheaper knock-off then this backfires on the brand. Check out the issues Burberry had with the knock-offs in the UK to see what might happen.On a different note - love you blog!

I love that necklace, but I would be afraid that it would jinx me... suppose I wear the necklace and something bad happens that day... then I'm left wearing the necklace the whole rest of the day while being miserable. Don't want to be a walking irony!! haha

I think this is my favorite outfit of yours! I love that song as well. It just makes me smile. Especially today, because I've eaten way too many macarons, and the sugar hasn't worn off. I really enjoy your blog. I was telling my husband a few moments ago how much I love the variety in your content.